Why May and June Are the Best Months for Juniors to Take the SAT® & ACT®
When it comes to college prep, timing matters—and for juniors, May and June are two of the best months to take the SAT® or ACT®. These test dates land right at the end of the school year, so students can take advantage of what they've just learned in class. Even better, testing now leaves plenty of time for a retake later—before the pressure of senior year and college deadlines really kicks in!
Upcoming SAT® and ACT® Test Dates for May and June 2025
If your clients haven’t already registered for the upcoming tests, now’s the time!
Visit ACT and College Board to register.
Top 5 Benefits of Testing in May & June
There are several strong reasons why May and June test dates work especially well for juniors. From academic timing to college planning, the benefits add up. Let’s unpack those reasons.
1. Academic Readiness: By May and June, juniors have typically completed most of their coursework, including critical subjects like Algebra II and English. This timing ensures that the material is fresh, which will inevitably lead to better test performance. Encourage your clients to take advantage of the knowledge they’ve gained while it’s front of mind.
2. Early Score Availability for Summer Planning: Taking the SAT® or ACT® in May or June ensures that students receive their scores before the summer break. This early feedback allows them to:
Assess Performance: Understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Plan for Retakes: If needed, students can schedule retakes for late summer or early fall, avoiding the crunch time of college application deadlines.
Focus Summer Efforts: Use the summer months to address specific weaknesses identified from the spring test results.
See Get College Ready: Summer Strategies for Rising High School Seniors for more ideas on how to make the most of those summer months.
3. Ample Time for Retakes: Taking the SAT® or ACT® in late spring provides students with the entire summer and early fall to prepare for a retake if necessary. This flexibility can be crucial for improving scores before the stress of senior year and college application deadlines.
4. Reduced Scheduling Conflicts: May and June are typically less hectic than the fall, when seniors are juggling college applications, extracurriculars, and school responsibilities. They also come before summer break, which can be packed with vacations, jobs, and campus visits. Testing in late spring helps students avoid scheduling conflicts and focus fully on the exam—without everything else competing for their attention.
5. Strategic Positioning for College Applications: By testing in May or June, students can:
Finalize College Lists: Students can use their spring test scores to identify suitable colleges to consider and narrow down their lists based on admission requirements.
Begin Application Essays: With test scores in hand, students can shift focus to crafting compelling personal statements and college portfolios over the summer.
Seek Recommendations: Early testing allows students to approach teachers for recommendation letters before the fall rush.
Get Strategic!
Advise your clients to get those test dates on their calendars and follow a solid prep plan.
Register Early. Your students need to make sure they meet the registration deadlines to secure their preferred test date and location.
Keep a Routine Study Schedule: Help your clients allocate time each week, especially leading up to the test to review content areas, take practice tests, and address any lingering weaknesses. Remind them: Cramming for the SAT® and ACT® Doesn’t Work!
For juniors, May and June are a great window to take the SAT® or ACT®. The timing lines up well with the school year and sets students up for a smoother testing and college planning process. With a little strategy and prep, they can head into senior year with solid scores in hand and less stress on their plate.
For more insights and tips on standardized test prep, visit our SAT & ACT Prep Blog. Want them sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe here!
Stay Ahead in Test Prep
At Clear Choice Prep, we’re dedicated to helping your tutoring business thrive with personalized solutions designed to meet every client’s unique needs.
We provide a full range of ACT® and SAT® prep materials, available in both digital and paper-and-pencil formats, equipping you and your tutors with the tools they need to deliver tailored instruction to help your students reach their full academic potential.
Ready to elevate your test-prep services? Schedule a free demo today and see how Clear Choice Prep can create a fully customized, white-label test-prep system for your business. With our support, you can expand your offerings and empower your students to succeed academically.
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